Acushnet selectmen sign deal to sell Cusson estate

Wednesday

Mar 5, 2014 at 12:50 AMMar 5, 2014 at 5:56 AM

ACUSHNET — Selectmen have signed a $100,000 purchase and sale agreement that conveys the former Cusson estate — also known as the historic Severance whaling captain property — to Michael Arquin and selectman candidate Paul J. Levasseur.

PAUL GATELY

ACUSHNET — Selectmen have signed a $100,000 purchase and sale agreement that conveys the former Cusson estate — also known as the historic Severance whaling captain property — to Michael Arquin and selectman candidate Paul J. Levasseur.

The tract at River's End near the New Bedford line had at one time been considered as the site for a new town library. However, those plans and the funding were rejected by voters.

The new owners could not be reached for comment on what they intend to do with the property.

Funds from the Cusson sale will ultimately flow to new plans evolving with Russell Memorial Library trustees for an addition to the closed Marie S. Howard Community Center at Middle Road.

Selectman David E. Wojnar, the board's liaison to the trustees on new library planning, said financing possibilities are still being considered; one likely would include a Community Preservation Act funding request.

For now, however, Wojnar requested "a placeholder" article for the May 12 Annual Town Meeting to assure discussion about library construction funding with both the Finance Committee and voters.

Other capital-spending requests — totaling an estimated $200,000 — are also evolving; notably new Town Hall phone systems, an upgrade of the town's GIS mapping, a $100,000 replacement of the Fire Department's Engine 3 and replacement of garage doors at Station 3 to accommodate any new ambulance bought in upcoming years.